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SIOUX CITY THIS WEEK
Welcome to Sioux City This Week! This feature on our web page provides you, our citizens, with another venue to discover what’s going on in City government. Our goal is to provide citizens and visitors with pertinent information about projects the City is currently working on or will be working on in the future. We hope that you will find this information useful and will discuss it with family and friends. We are proud to serve the citizens of Sioux City.
Jolly Time Expansion Reflects Healthy Growth
American Pop Corn Company will expand its facilities in Sioux City responding to an increased demand for their Jolly Time products and their recent successful endorsement by Weight Watchers for Jolly Time Healthy Pop. Headquartered in Sioux City, American Pop Corn is a global leader in microwave and other popcorn products and plans to build a second microwave plant on the south side of their existing plant near 41st Street. The project will add nearly 43,000 square feet and create at least 17 new jobs.
“American Pop Corn is a Sioux City company that spans five generations and we are very proud that the Smith family continues to grow their business here,” stated Mayor Mike Hobart. City Councilman Aaron Rochester added, “The additional jobs and tax base growth resulting from the Jolly Time expansion will certainly provide a boost to our local economy.”
City staff has worked closely with the company to prepare an IDED application for the Iowa High Quality Jobs program which, upon IDED board approval in August, would make available several types of tax credits. Staff will also prepare a recommendation to the City Council to approve an industrial tax abatement as provided for under Iowa law. The City has been working closely with the company on several related issues including the extension of a water line.
City Manager Paul Eckert commented, “The Jolly Time name is found in households across the country and is well known as a fun and healthy snack helping to create a positive impression of Sioux City. This expansion, in addition to the economic benefits, helps to grow awareness of the company and our community.”
Beginning operations in Sioux City in 1914, American Pop Corn sells products in all 50 states and 45 countries around the world with approximately 150 people currently employed at its Sioux City facilities. Construction on the new plant is expected to begin in late August with an anticipated completion date of early 2011.
Marty Dougherty, Sioux City Economic Development Director added, “Food processing is one of Sioux City and the areas’ strongest sectors. This has been recognized by several leading publications in recent years. It has also been a focus of Sioux City’s promotion efforts that feature Jolly Time Pop Corn and other prominent companies such as Palmer Candy, Sue Bee Honey, Curly’s Foods, Sara Lee and others.”
Pooch Paddle
Riverside Pool will be hosting a pooch paddle on Tuesday, September 7th from 5-7pm for small pooches and a second pooch paddle on Wednesday, September 8 from 5-7pm for the large pooches. We ask that small pooches are the height of your knee or shorter and attend the session on Monday and larger pooches enjoy the pool on Tuesday.
City staff would like to remind citizens that the dogs are only allowed in the pools after the pools have closed for the season and the pools are drained shortly after the event. There are still chemicals in the pool that keep it sanitized and safe for its furry users and their owners.
All dogs must arrive on a leash and accompany an owner that is 14 years of age or older. Also, all dogs must be registered with tags on them at all times. Dogs without tags or multiple dogs with one owner will not be allowed to enter the facility. All pet owners must comply with city rules and regulations relating to cleaning up animal droppings and prohibiting a dog from attacking persons or animals and in accordance with Section 7.08.020.
All pit bulls must remain on a leash no longer than six feet in length and must be under the actual physical control of a person 18 years of age or older at all times in accordance with Sioux City Municipal Code Section 7.10.020.
The Pooch Paddles will cost $5 per dog and all proceeds go to improvements at the Lewis & Clark Dog Park in Bacon Creek Park. The Siouxland Off-Leash Association will attend one Pooch Paddle to promote the park and other events they have planned for dog lovers. The SOLA group has been crucial to getting the fence installed at the park; as well as a shelter, information kiosk, the small dog area, and a drinking fountain.
For more information call 279-6126 or go to our website at Sioux-City.org.
RAGBRAI® Boosts Sioux City Economy by over $2.5 Million
An estimated 25,000 people arrived in Sioux City last weekend to kick off the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa™.
RAGBRAI® XXXVIII generated an estimated economic impact for Sioux City and its surrounding communities of over $2.575 million during the riders’ Saturday overnight stay. The number of people in attendance for the kick-off activities on Historic Fourth Street in Downtown Sioux City also exceeded organizers’ expectations, giving RAGBRAI® XXXVIII one of the largest send-offs the tour has seen to date.
“The people of Sioux City did a tremendous job of hosting riders from all over the world,” said RAGBRAI® director TJ Juskiewicz. “I have heard from so many riders that they really enjoyed the sights, sounds and most of all, the hospitality during their stay in Sioux City. Historic Fourth Street was the ideal location to showcase Sioux City at its finest. RAGBRAI will definitely be back for more down the road.”
Sioux City organizers say the event was a success with very few incidents. Police Chief Doug Young estimated 20,000 to 25,000 took in the music and festival atmosphere of 4th Street on Saturday. “We saw lots of families and folks of all ages ranging from babies in strollers to senior citizens along 4th Street and all appeared to be having a great time.” The committee looks forward to bidding for the RAGBRAI® starting-city host spot once again in the near future.
Mayor Hobart noted, “It’s been an amazing summer for Sioux City. New crowd estimates for Saturday in the Park are in the 40,000 range and over 25,000 here for RAGBRAI. These wonderful events really showcased Sioux City and prove once again what a great place this really is.”
MISSION STATEMENT: Sioux City will welcome riders from across the world and provide attendees with an experience that will exceed all expectations. Our community will showcase Sioux City’s vibrant quality of life. Our unique location on the Missouri River will create a memorable beginning to the RAGBRAI XXXVIII journey. Sioux City will maximize collaborative resources to motivate community support and create revenue-generating opportunities for area businesses.
Sioux City proudly thanks this year’s RAGBRAI® community sponsors, including Mercy Medical Center, Sue Bee Honey, the Missouri River Historical Development, KTIV, KMEG, KCAU, KPTH, CableOne, Clear Channel, Powell Broadcasting, the Sioux City Journal, Siouxland Magazine, and Avery Bros.!
Glass Recycling Available in Sioux City
The City is happy to announce that the Environmental Advisory Board has successfully resolved the problem of recycling glass in Sioux City! A few months ago the recycling industry took a downturn along with the rest of the economy and Sioux City found itself with no outlet for recyclable glass items.
The City’s Environmental Advisory Board members began researching potential solutions. The outcome is that Greenstar, a recycling company with facilities in Des Moines, Laurence’s Super Market, and the Environmental Advisory Board have partnered to locate a glass recycling center here in Sioux City.
Special thanks is extended to Board members Jean Chesterman and Stan Sherman for their dedication to recycling and creating a better environment for our community, and for their diligent research which led them to discover a company like Greenstar and bring this service to our community. “We value the dedication of those who volunteer to serve on the City’s numerous Boards and Commissions. This is an outstanding example of a community partnership initiated by one of our volunteer Boards,” stated Myers.
Laurence’s Redemption Center is located at 2020 27th Street. The center’s hours are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, daily. The center is open seven days per week.
You may bring your recyclable glass items for drop off at the center along with other returnable beverage cans and bottles. Please remember glass cannot be recycled curb side via your green recycling bins.
Area Road Closure Update
Burton Street ImprovementsThis project includes construction of new storm sewer, sidewalk and curb along Burton Street, north of 14th Street, to address pedestrian safety issues. This project will require the closure of Burton Street between 14th Street and 19th Street through the middle of August depending on the weather.
2010 Paving Patch Program Phase IThis project includes removing and replacing 1,150 square yards of concrete streets on Cheyenne Boulevard and requires lane restrictions along Cheyenne Boulevard between Outer Drive and 46th Street through August 13th, weather permitting.
Lorraine Avenue Water Main Replacement ProjectLane closures and parking restrictions are necessary along Lorraine Avenue, between South Lakeport Street and South Lyons Street, for water main replacement and storm sewer improvements. This project is anticipated to be complete in August.
Cunningham Drive ReconstructionCunningham Drive is closed to all traffic from Washington Avenue to the bridge over the Old Floyd River Channel. Traffic is being detoured along Leech Avenue and S. Lewis Boulevard. This closure allows for full reconstruction of street paving and underground utilities.
Mercy Medical Center Energy PlantLane restrictions are necessary on 5th Street from Jones Street to Jennings Street while the hospital builds a new utility tunnel under the intersection of 5th Street and Jennings Street in conjunction with a new energy plant. The lane restriction is anticipated to continue through the end of July.
Heights Subdivision Reconstruction, Stage 3Construction of stage 3 is underway requiring the closure of 24th Street between West Solway and McDonald Street, Kennedy Drive, East Solway (both south and north of 24th Street), McDonald Street north of 24th, Ridgeview Road, Valley Drive and Sunset Circle. These closures allow for street widening and reconstruction of utilities. Motorists traveling to Grandview Park are advised to approach from the east by way of Douglas Street or Stone Park Boulevard.
Heights Subdivision Reconstruction Stage 4AStage 3 and Stage 4A construction are underway. Stage 4A requires the closure of W. Solway Drive from W. 24th to just south of Cook Drive. The intersection of W. Solway and W. 24th Street will be closed to through traffic. The intersection of Cook Drive and E. Solway Drive will remain open. Also closed during Stage 4A will be 24th Street from McDonald St. to Summit St. The intersection of 24th St. and Summit St. will be closed while water main connection work is being completed in the intersection.
W. 3rd & Rebecca StreetThis project includes emergency storm sewer repairs as well as repaving of the street and sidewalks due to a watermain break. The closure includes Rebecca Street, beginning mid-block between W. 2nd and W. 3rd Street, and the closure of W. 3rd Street beginning mid-block between George and Rebecca and ending mid-block between Rebecca and Isabella. The closure began Monday, July 26th ad will continue through completion of the project.
Hawkeye DriveHawkeye Drive will be closed to through traffic between 19th Street and 28th Street, beginning Monday, July 26th at 7 a.m. and continuing through Wednesday, August 4th. This closure is necessary to facilitate relocation of the 12” gas line along Hawkeye Drive.
2010 Paving Patch – Phase IILane restrictions will be necessary on W. 19th Street from Casselman Street to Helmer street beginning Tuesday, August 3rd and continuing through completion of the project (approximately 60 working days). Eastbound traffic on W. 19th Street is being detoured on Casselman Street to Military Road then on Ross Street back to W. 19th Street. W. 19th Street is open to westbound traffic.
2009 Paving Patch Program - 5th StreetVarious lane closures will be required on 5th Street from Nebraska Street to Jones Street between Monday, August 2nd and Friday, August 27th. These closures are necessary for the contractor to complete paving patch repairs. Through traffic will be maintained with appropriate signage and advanced warning to motorists.
4th Street 4th Street will be temporarily closed from Pearl Street to Water Street, including the north/south alley from 3rd to 5th Streets between Pearl and Water, beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 14, 2010 and ending at 2 a.m. on Sunday, August 15, 2010 for a the Charlie Noltze Birthday Party at The Syd.
4th Street4th Street will be temporarily closed from Pearl Street to Water Street, including the north/south alley from 3rd to 5th Streets between Pearl and Water, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 21, 2010 and ending at 2 a.m. on Sunday, August 22, 2010 for the Tom Skaff Memorial Bike Run Fundraiser sponsored by the Iron Pigs Motorcycle Club and The Syd.
11th StreetLane restrictions are necessary on 11th Street between Floyd Boulevard and Clark Street beginning August 13th and continuing through the end of August. This lane restriction will allow Cargill to perform maintenance on their facility.
The Engineering Division understands that residents and businesses may be inconvenienced by the street closures and construction activities associated with these projects. We appreciate your patience and cooperation and will continue to keep you informed. You can find more information, including maps and progress updates, at our website: www.SiouxCityStreets.org. To ensure the safety of all, please be especially cautious in construction zones and along detour routes.
Construction Project Updates
Pearl Street Reconstruction ProjectThis project includes reconstructing Pearl Street from 4th Street to 7th Street. The reconstruction along Pearl Street includes replacing the sanitary sewer services, water main services, storm sewer intakes/pipe, paving and sidewalks. Work also includes abandoning the existing old 8 inch water main and connecting services to the newer existing 24 inch water main. Areaways under sidewalks also are to be backfilled and abandoned. New traffic signals will be installed at 5th and 6th Street intersections. The completion date is Fall of 2011.
Sunnybrook Drive ExtensionThis project includes grading and paving approximately 1,580 lineal feet of roadway to connect Sunnybrook Drive to Christy Road. This project will also include construction of a regional detention pond. This street connection will provide a continuous loop between Sunnybrook Drive and Sergeant Road, provide an additional outlet for the area and allow for economic infill. The contractor is currently installing various sizes of storm sewer.
Bluff Street BridgeThis project includes construction of a new bridge over Perry Creek and modification of the road alignment to connect future Wesley Parkway to 11th Street. The contractor is forming the bridge deck and plans to pour the deck early next week. The south pedestrian and bike Perry Creek Trail detour will be closed during working hours and open in the evenings and weekends.
Heights Neighborhood Reconstruction: Stage 3The contractor has completed 890 feet of paving on W. 24th Street. They plan on preparing the subgrade and to place the C-stone subbase this week along E. Solway Street.
Heights Neighborhood Reconstruction: Stage 4The contractor expects to start sanitary sewer services and watermain work on W. Solway Street this week. They also plan on preparing the subgrade and placement of the C-stone subbase on W. 24th Street at the McDonald Street intersection.
Cunningham Drive ReconstructionThe contractor has completed removals on this full reconstruction project located south of Home Depot and is currently installing sanitary sewer main. The contractor has completed the sanitary sewer work and is installing storm sewer.
2010 Paving Patch Phase IThe original patching on this project has been completed. However, more patching work has been added on Cheyenne Blvd to the south between the North High parking lot and Outer Drive.
2010 Paving Patch Phase IIThis project includes removing and replacing approximately 3,480 square yards of pavement on the following streets: West 19th Street from Casselman Street to Helmer Street and on Country Club Blvd. from Hamilton to 37th Street. These streets are severely cracked and deteriorated.
The Engineering Division understands that residents and businesses may be inconvenienced by the street closures and construction activities associated with these projects. We appreciate your patience and cooperation and will continue to keep you informed. You can find more information, including maps and progress updates, at our website: www.SiouxCityStreets.org. To ensure the safety of all, please be especially cautious in construction zones and along detour routes.
City Twitters!
Sioux City is now connecting with people instantly by providing updates via Twitter. Learn about City developments, recognitions, events, projects and important news by joining the free service found at http://twitter.com/locatesiouxcity.
Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that allows users to send and read other users' updates. The updates, known as tweets, are text-based posts that answer the question “What are you doing?” in less than 140 characters in length. Updates are displayed on the user's profile page and delivered to other users who have signed up to receive them. The message can be received via the Twitter website, iphone, Blackberry, Facebook or other application.
“Twitter offers a new and instantaneous way to relay information about our community,” stated Anne Westra, Economic Development Specialist. “We are able to communicate messages in real time and create a positive buzz about Sioux City.”
Since Twitter combines use of the Web, instant messages and text messaging, measuring the site's popularity is tough. The privately held company does not disclose numbers, however, a 2/13/09 blog entry on Twitter.com indicated that active users have increased 900% in the last year. A February 2009 Compete.com blog entry ranks Twitter as the third largest social network (behind Facebook and MySpace), and puts the number of users at roughly 6 million and the number of monthly visitors at 55 million.
Sioux City Entertainment Venues on Facebook®
Facebook® users can now keep up to date with the Tyson Events Center and Orpheum Theatre! New fan pages for the two venues have been created on Facebook®, and content will be updated regularly with artist news, show information, photos, and upcoming event announcements.
“We have seen great response so far from the Facebook community,” said Executive Director Aran Rush. “We sent out a request for Facebook fans to sign up on our page late yesterday and more than 350 people signed up by 8:00am this morning. We expect this to grow exponentially as the word spreads.”
Facebook® is a social networking tool founded in 2004 that gives people the power to share information, upload photo and video content, and connect with friends through its database of millions of users.
Tyson Event Center
Alan Jackson
September 30, 2010
Sioux City Musketeers vs. Sioux Falls
October 2, 2010
Sioux Ctiy Musketeers vs. Fargo
October 10, 2010
Sioux City Musketeers vs. Muskegon
October 15, 2010
Sioux City Musketeers vs. U18
October 16, 2010
Sioux City Musketeers vs. Tri-City
October 23, 2010
Orpheum Theatre
Sioux City Symphony Opening Night
October 2, 2010
Mercy Me
October 7, 2010
Oklahoma
October 14, 2010
REPORT A POTHOLE
Residents may report potholes or breakdowns by calling the Street Division at 279-6886 or at sioux-city.org.
Pet License Renewals
Excess Domestic Animals Permit
Please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 279-6311 for more information on pet licensing or the excess animals permit.
REPORT CRIMINAL MISCHEIF
The Police are asking citizens to please be vigilant in their neighborhoods and report anything suspicious to police as soon as they see it occur. Please call 279-6960 to report anything occurring which might assist the Police Department. Information may also be reported to Crime Stoppers at 258-TIPS (8477).
[TEXT A TIP]
People wishing to text a tip can do so by sending their message to CRIMES or 274637. Begin the message with the letters SCPDTIP, as this will let the server know which department the message is intended for. Tips that are sent as text messages are routed through a secure server in Canada which insures that the identity of the tipster is never known. Standard text messaging rates apply to all messages sent or received.
GRAFFITI ALERT
Please report any sighting of graffiti IMMEDIATELY so it can be quickly removed or painted over. CALL 279-6960.
Press Releases
There are always press releases being added to our website. Please take a moment to look at these. They can be found scrolling on the right hand side of the main page of our website.
City Council Meetings
Please take a moment to check our Council Agendas and Minutes on our home page. It’s one of your opportunities to learn more about current City Council considerations. City Council meetings are held the first four Mondays of every month at 4pm in the City Council Chambers-5th floor of City Hall. You may watch the City Council meetings online at sioux-city.org or on cable access channel 10.
Let us know if you have any questions or topics that you would like us to cover by going to our comments page. As always, please do not hesitate to call me at 279-6136 with your questions or concerns.
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